Ferry connections to the major islands
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2025-05-07 16:31
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 12
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 11m
AI Summaries: 12/12 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The question concerned a question posed to Regional and Agricultural Minister Hendrik Terras regarding ferry connections to the larger islands (Saaremaa and Hiiumaa). The discussion focused on ensuring the quality of life for local residents, guaranteeing mobility, and securing the future of the economy, including how issues of ferry line prices and accessibility affect the islanders and their ability to plan their daily lives. Local municipalities’ appeals were also raised, noting that the state already plays a significant role in funding ferry lines, and the possibility of improved cooperation and opportunities were discussed, including ideas for free ferry transport and the risks to service quality.
Decisions Made 1
In this matter, no decisions were made; we will continue the discussion and collaboration with local governments (Saaremaa and Hiiumaa), and we will organize further meetings and discussions within the framework of this topic.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was regional and agricultural minister Hendrik Terras (pid TTBOpGaQCWM). He represented the government on the topic of ferry connections, explaining the background of pricing, the role of subsidies, and questions of service sustainability. His role, as a state official, was to lead the discussion and represent the government's viewpoints; his position is defined as other (government member).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar takes up the ninth question; its proposer is Riigikogu member Mart Maastik, and the topic is ferry connections to the major islands for the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik highlighted that ferries are to island residents like an extension of the road, and he asked the minister for a concrete plan on how to promote cheap or free transport, to halt the ongoing rise in ticket prices and the lengthening of queues, and to keep the islands alive.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Regional and Agricultural Minister Hendrik Terras said that although free travel for island residents is understandable and a road extension is being considered, the current model is balanced, with the state covering 59% of the costs (state subsidy of 21.3 million euros and ticket revenue of 14.8 million euros) and about 65% of island residents’ tickets covered, and full free travel could reduce the quality of the service and its usage, therefore the compromise is working and discussions with local authorities continue about price increases or the inclusion of some less-used routes, and we will meet during May.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The message "Your Time!" emphasizes that your time is at hand.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Regional Affairs and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras said that we will continue to discuss this issue with the Hiiumaa and Saaremaa municipalities.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar said that the handling of this question will continue, because Mart Maastikul posed a clarifying question.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik noted that Regula cannot currently dock due to ramp renovations during the peak season, and although the order for a new fifth ferry is awaited, it is being delayed because of the requirements for implementing electric and hydrogen usage, which will increase ticket prices and reduce the number of visitors, and he asked about progress and whether the new ship would arrive in 2027–2028.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Regional and Agricultural Minister Hendrik Terras said that port infrastructure and the state fleet issues fall within the remit of his colleague Leisi, and there is close cooperation on them. The tender for a new ship has been postponed until 2028, and Regulat should be slightly upgraded so that it can serve a total of 54 years. There are plans for additional routes from June 19 to August 31 and for the Saaremaa Rally weekend, and although it is said that fewer people visit the islands, in recent years the number of visitors has grown by 2%, and we must respect people’s choices and their right to spend time on the island.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanks and informs that colleague Jaanus Karilaid presents an additional question.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaanus Karilaid criticized the minister's claim that Saaremaa's increased travel is not a service disruption, but simply more people coming, emphasized that May–June–July may see more visitors there, and presented clear solutions: whether there could be a priority for the residents of Saaremaa, whether restrictions could be imposed on truck transport or a new vessel added to the route, and what the timetable for these plans is.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
According to the presenter, long queues arise mainly due to vessel disruptions, therefore it is recommended to buy tickets in advance and plan the trip beforehand, and cooperation with the Saaremaa local government is planned soon to find solutions, taking into account the state's 21.3 million euro grant, and it was confirmed that good communication is the best way to ensure service quality.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman, Lauri Hussar, thanks and informs that he will conclude the consideration of today's ninth question.